Interim MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monique Felder Provides Leadership Personnel Update to Principals and Staff

Dr. Monique Felder, Interim Superintendent of MCPS, sent an email to all MCPS principals and staff last week informing them of leadership personnel changes. The portion of the email containing the updates can be seen below:

“Dear MCPS Principals and all Staff,

I am writing to provide you with an update regarding additional leadership personnel changes in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Office of School Support and Well-Being and also in the Office of the Deputy Superintendent.

Friday, March 1, 2024, will be Dr. Betty Collins’ last day. She retired in 2017 after 49 years of serving children in MCPS and returned to MCPS during a time of need to support the district in the role of acting deputy superintendent for what was to be just a few months. I know you join me in thanking Dr. Collins for her dedication and exceptional service to MCPS and in wishing her the very best as she continues her retirement.

In light of Dr. Collins impending departure on Friday, on Monday, March 4, 2024, the following personnel changes will be effective:

• Ms.  Lance Dempsey, currently acting associate superintendent of school support and well-being for Team 2, will serve as the special assistant to the Office of the Deputy Superintendent. In this role, Ms. Dempsey will provide support to the Office of School Support and Well-Being as well as the Office of the Chief Academic Officer.
• Dr. Henry Johnson, acting chief of staff, will provide direct oversight to the Office of Strategic Initiatives.
• The Office of the School System Medical Officer will report directly to me.

I thank Ms. Dempsey and Dr. Johnson for their continued flexibility and willingness to assume these additional leadership responsibilities as the district awaits the identification of the next superintendent who will fill the vacant deputy superintendent position.

Once again, I recognize that leadership transitions may be challenging. I remain committed to updating you on any additional staffing changes as they become necessary. I continue to state publicly that my work is to stabilize our structures and ensure MCPS is focused on teaching and learning while creating a smooth transition for the next superintendent.”